Vallejo kids dance, read during Children s Day

Mike Jory ? Times-Herald
The skirts of Angelica Valencia, 12, swirl as she and others of the Napa Valley Ballet Folklorico perform a dance from the Mexican state of Sinaloa during Saturday's Dia de los Ni os celebration at Vallejo's John. F. Kennedy Library.

Published By Times Herald

At least that was the case for Bethany Bonilla, a Vallejo 3-year- old who sashayed in the aisle Saturday as the members of the Napa Vallejo Ballet Folklorico swung on stage.

The entertainment was part of John F. Kennedy Library's observance of El D a de los Ninos, or Children's Day, a national initiative that encourages children to read, no matter what their linguistic background. It is also known as El D a de los Libros, or Book Day.

"It's always a great attendance," children's librarian Natasha North said of the 170 or so people who came to the Joseph Room for snacks, storytelling and a free book.

The Vallejo library has observed the day since 2007.

North was one of the day's storytellers, spinning a variety of tales, including one about a mysterious animal that scares away potential robbers. A participation piece, North encouraged the children sitting on the floor to make the appropriate animal noises.

"Oh, my gosh! That's the sound the robbers heard!" North said to the children after they crowed together.

The Friends of the Library donated about 100 books to giveaway, while the Napa Valley Ballet Folklorico performed dances from three different Mexican states.

Bethany said she had a lot of fun at the event. When asked what her favorite part of the Children's Day was, she had a quick and smiling answer.

"Pink," said Bethany, who was also wearing a pink tutu as she danced in the aisle.